I ventured into the world of book (and blog) writing to fulfill a promise to my beloved mother-in-law. Sue's bright light was extinguished on December 2, 2010, after a valiant 13-year battle with breast cancer... just five month's after her first grandchild (my daughter) was born. Now as a mother, entrepreneur, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and torch-bearer of a legacy, I paddle my boat, one wave at a time, toward that promise to her—and now to myself. In death as in life, Sue continues to motivate and inspire me. Follow me, and I'll do my best to pass the inspiration along. To life!
I heard a song on the radio the other day and remembered singing it to Szaba during the wee morning hours when she was a baby. Now my “baby” is three, and though I’m not particularly a Bruno Mars fan, I still take this song’s message to heart. It’s up to me to keep Szaba believing she’s nothing … More Birthday Song
You’d think that the hardest time after losing someone would be the anniversary of the person’s death. Instead, it’s often a day of happiness and dreams fulfilled, a time when you feel the deceased should be there to witness something you know would’ve been so important to them. For me, it’s remembering my mother-in-law on … More The Missing Guest
Now that vacation season is in full swing, what kind of souvenirs do you buy on a trip? Do you wander the trinket shops, aimlessly looking for something that strikes your fancy (grumbling husband in tow)? What if souvenirs could be part of the adventure of your vacation, like a quest for a specific piece … More Souvenirs
Every woman needs to know this before your next mammogram. It could save your life. 1. What type of breast do you have on a 1-4 scale? Ask for your mammography report. It’s in there. If you haven’t had a mammogram, your gynecologist can let you know if you’re in the denser camp. Most women … More Every Woman Needs to Know This
Welcome to my new “Free Seattle” series of free outings in and around Seattle—great for visitors or local moms home with stir-crazy kids. Enjoy! And if there’s anything in particular you’d like me to cover, please let me know. Whether you’re from Seattle, visiting friends, or stopping by on a cruise, Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park … More Free Seattle: Sculpture Park
You can’t be a parent without connecting the dots to how you were parented. It’s involuntary… and eye opening. In honor of Father’s Day, here are 10 things my dad taught me, all of which I see developing in my own parenting style.
Need a last-minute gift idea for Father’s Day, a birthday, or just because? Create an upcycled photo frame! It doubles as a kids’ activity, too. Step 1: Find an old frame.
The parade floated by. Bands bang-boomed. Dancers high stepped a twirling march. My toddler was in awe, clapping and toe-tapping with uninhibited glee. “March with me, Mumma!” she squealed, grabbing my hand with her tiny one, trying to pull me off the curb.
In honor of yesterday’s release of the Johnny Cash forever stamp, here are 10 reasons why he deserves it. Prepare to be awed and inspired. 1. He worked his way up from cotton fields at age 5 to a Grammy (his first of many) at age 35. 2. He was a devoted artist, writing 1000+ songs, 60 of … More Inspiring Minds: Johnny Cash
Carl Jung’s (and later Joseph Campbell’s) monomyth theory holds that all human stories—across all ages and cultures—experience the same basic journey. And over the course of that life story, the “hero” (or main character) encounters this cast of characters: Mentor Threshold Guardian Herald Henchmen Shape Shifter Hero’s Shadow (Villain) Trickster Take The Wizard of Oz, for instance:
My Castle Heart Publications 